NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - On board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailors assigned to the medical department work hard to keep the crew trained and knowledgeable, especially when it comes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
CPR is an effective life-saving technique that, when used correctly, saves lives and sustains the functions of the nervous system to prevent brain damage to a victim.
"All year long on board Lincoln we are offering CPR classes," said Lt. Cmdr. Tarail Vernon, ship's nurse. "Our goal is to have as many Lincoln Sailors as possible trained in CPR as we continue through our overhaul."
CPR classes are held twice a month and particular ratings on board, including Sailors assigned to the security department, are required to complete this vital training. CPR instructors utilize an exemplary training program, provided by the American Heart Association, that teaches the skills of adult CPR, the usage of the automated external defibrillator, child CPR and the significance of these skills.
According to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Arthur Thomas, by having every Sailor on board trained in CPR, the reach of medical response across the ship is extended, which increases the chances of saving someone's life in the event of an emergency. Sailors are required to re-qualify every two years, but are advised to seek additional training to refresh themselves.
"By holding bi-monthly training, we are increasing the likelihood that our Sailors will be able to perform life-saving actions instinctively and automatically in order to save a shipmate's life if the situation arises," Vernon said. "Training in CPR is the key to life. It is better to know CPR and not need it than to need it and not know it."
Sailors who have completed CPR training are issued a CPR Heart Saver card from the American Heart Association. This gives CPR-qualified Sailors the ability to lend a hand if a situation should arise, no matter where they may be.
"The first responder can be the most important part of saving another human life," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Samirah Abdullah, a CPR facilitator and administrator. "In the moment you may be scared but the training kicks in."
For more information on CPR, see the American Heart Association website or contact your medical officer.
Lincoln is currently undergoing RCOH at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News.
Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz-class to undergo an RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense.